Brand New Frame

Natalia Zukerman
Weasel Records

This album left me wishing I knew more about folk and roots music so that I could really praise it properly. Hopefully it's sufficient to say that although I regard most acoustic singer/songwriter CDs that cross my desk with a combination of hope and dread (and dread usually wins out), I was enthralled with this latest effort from our own Zukerman. Blending elements of country, folk and blues, Zukerman spins out songs of wonderful clarity and simplicity. The instrumentation is generally sparse, putting the focus on her impeccable guitar playing, clever songwriting and unique voice. As talented a songwriter as a musician, Zukerman has a flair for blending cleverness and pocket wisdom in lyrics like "This town is like New York/but only six doors deep." I thought there was something familiar about her honey voice - Dolly Parton meets Ani DiFranco? - but the real point of comparison is that she sounds like an artist who's fully realized, fully present, and should be headed for big things.